Lionel Messi's Devastating Injury Rocks Inter Miami Match Against Toronto FC – Fans Left Stunned

Lionel Messi's comeback on the field was short-lived as the Argentine superstar was substituted in the 37th minute of Inter Miami's match against Toronto FC on Wednesday at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Shortly after his teammate Jordi Alba was substituted due to an apparent injury, Messi started to show signs of discomfort. He subsequently removed his captain's armband and handed it to Deandre Yedlin before leaving the match himself.

Messi took a seat on the bench, visibly frustrated as he leaned back into the chair. With eight minutes of stoppage time still left in the first half, he eventually made his way to the locker room.

Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Ecuador in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match, held at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Thursday, September 7, 2023. (Photo credit: Gustavo Garello/AP)

"They had to be substituted. We will assess their conditions as the days pass," stated Tata Martino, Inter Miami head coach, in response to Messi and Alba during halftime in the Apple TV broadcast.

CNN has sought further details from the team.

Inter Miami would go on to defeat Toronto FC 4-0.

Messi made his comeback on Wednesday after a gap of more than a month since he last played on September 7. During that match, he played a critical role in Argentina's triumph over Ecuador in a qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup. Unfortunately, he was absent from his club's MLS regular season game against Atlanta United last weekend.

According to a club insider, the decision to bench the Argentinian World Cup champion was made due to the excessive number of games he has participated in since joining the club in July. The condition of the turf field at Atlantas Mercedes-Benz Stadium was dismissed as a factor influencing the decision. The next match in Inter Miami's agenda is against Orlando City SC on Sunday. Following that, the team will host Houston Dynamo FC in the US Open Cup final on September 27.

CNNs Michael Rios contributed to this report.